Coralville Civil Service

Coralville Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes June 21, 2021 Call to Order Commission Chairperson Fred Fevold called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Present were Commission Members Kyle McEvilly, Marti Mount, Dhuha Tawil, and Alex Taylor, Council Liaison Jill Dodds, and Parks and Recreation Director Sherri Proud. This meeting was held at Coralville City Hall – Council Chambers. Citizen comments None Approval of Minutes from the May 17, 2021 meeting Commission Member Taylor made a motion to accept the minutes with the noted changes. Commission Member Mount seconded the motion; unanimous approval. 2020 Annual Report Parks and Recreation Director Proud provided the Annual Report 2020 (power point). The Mayor Monarch Pledge, which is a national campaign, was highlighted in the report by Coralville’s Clear Creek Trail wetland and prairie area. Proud reiterated the 2020 COVID motto: Be Resilient, Be Adaptable, Be Creative. Recreation highlights included (recognizing that some programs and activities were cancelled given COVID obstacles): o Activity Bag Distributions – activities for pick up for kids and families to do at home o Tree Planting Program – utilizing the app Sign Up Genius, volunteers signed up for a social distanced, family focused tree planting opportunity to enhance park spaces o Essential Workers’ Kid Day Camp – essential workers from city departments, county, and hospital o Partnership Programs – Summer Camp, New Camp Academies, Hybrid School Age Care, Preschool Programs, Trail Trekkers o Recreation Programs – Active Enrollments, Community Garden Plots, Farmers Market Vendors (relocation to Iowa River Landing), Junior High Trips (one trip held),  Commission Member Tawil shared community comments with the management of the Farmer’s Market relocation to the IRL with the Watts Group. Market attendees find the location more difficult given it is not walkable discouraging elderly participants and fewer vegetable/food vendors which is discouraging for WIC and lower income families. Proud suggested that marketing could be enhanced. In addition, trolley and mapping options promoting access will be addressed. o Sports Program – youth and adult sports teams, new lacrosse program, youth basketball, volleyball at new Greenstate Credit Union Field House, other adult programs at field house. o Coralville Community Aquatic Center – drop slide was replaced with a grant from the Revier Family Foundation, splash pad and multi system spray feature were renovated; limited capacity following guidelines were emphasized o Indoor Pool – lap swim availability; extended fall pool leak repair with replacement of a t-pipe/concrete work at bottom of deep end and bulkhead repairs In the extended area, Coralville Parks and Recreation was one of the only Recreation Center and Pools that stayed open during the pandemic. Staff wrote policies around Governor and Mayor proclamations and made adjustments to increase safety. In most program areas, the recreation division saw program numbers down 30-50%. Budgets were continually adjusted to accommodate for lower revenue and the department cut approximately $700,000 in staffing and service cuts. Proud shared that the Parks and Building Maintenance staff coordinated the PPE for the City and provided enhanced cleaning and disinfecting services for the City facilities. Despite indoor facilities having limited hours or closed all together, work continued in many different areas including: bringing 5th Street bio cell maintenance in house, new parking lot at MA Ewalt Recreation Area, construction of shelter at Rotary Camp Park, new flow trails at Creekside Cross and Flow Trails, and IRL planting projects. Proud noted that projects have focused on the four seasons across the city locations with related needs and projects. Park highlights included: o Mountain bike riding on Creekside Flow Trail o Trails – focused on cross country ski tracks and fat tire bike grooming o Supporting the Engineering Department with construction on the Iowa River Corridor Trail connection from Crandic Park in Iowa City to north of the mouth of Clear Creek o Special Events - Yeti Pedal, Iowa Mountain Bike Festival, and Community Wishes Luminary Decorating and Candy Trains o Eagle Scout Projects – bullpens at Youth Sports Park, picnic tables at Rotary Camp Park o Brown Deer Golf Club – rounds were increased; outings and food/beverage were lower; dirt from condominiums allowed for construction of a new tee box on the driving range o Rental Facilities were open with limited capacity and PPE in place.  Proud also provided opportunities, which the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts addressed with virtual productions. During COVID, sponsorship and donations were increased. The impact and actions after derecho on the community was also highlighted in the report. Proud noted that the motto reflected the effort of the staff to target activities and events that promoted some level of normalcy in a very turmoil year. Given COVID, the department was required to refigure budgetary line items established in the original planning in Fall 2019. Monies which were previously projected were withdrawn during the legislation session. Council Liaison Dodds remarked that the planning and implementation provided by Parks and Recreation were exceptional. Commission Member Tawil expressed appreciation noting the planning and services were provided with grace. Council Liaison Report Council Liaison Dodds shared that the restoration plan is currently being addressed. The Marriott will transfer to the Regency in August. Dodds reiterated the Fourth of July weekend events. The efforts of the Community Pantry were highlighted during the COVID and as ongoing community partners. Director Report Parks and Recreation Director Proud provided updates regarding the innovative pursuits to secure lifeguards amongst the position shortage. Recruitment is being considered with AmeriCorp and lifeguard training classes for peer groups beyond high school and college students. Proud noted that the comments received in April were incorporated in the Creekside Flow Trail focusing on the coordination of the shelter and the dug outs. The Department continue to review and address the needs which were vacated by the decrease of staffing resulting from the impact of COVID. In the fall, focus on engaging with constituents for half time positions and partnerships will be targeted. Commission Comments Commission Member Fred Fevold No comment. Commission Member Kyle McEvilly Commission Member McEvilly prompted that the trail near the wetlands by Auburn Hills Park is overgrown. Proud noted that the in some places a short trail loop is mowed but will check on the area and follow up with the Golf Staff. McEvilley also complimented the Department for their recruiting efforts and their focus on an all and above approach for staffing and programming. Discussion continued noting that elementary and middle school swim times were cut by the previous superintendent which has had a consequence for individuals learning to swim as a life skill. Proud noted that staff will be exploring AmeriCorp as an idea to support promotion of the life skill of swimming with varied populations. Commission Member Marti Mount Commission Member Mount remarked about the Annual Report presentation and the upbeat opportunities which were featured in spite of the shutdowns and restrictions. In addition, the presentation highlighted the future progress. Commission Member Dhuha Tawil Commission Member Tawil inquired about the previous discussions for fencing around the Kiddie Korral. Commission Members reviewed the pros and cons of fencing. Input options from the community will be revisited. Proud noted that this park is one which will be expanded with sensory features. Tawil presented the consideration for establishing a sustainable recycling program in Coralville and ultimately Johnson County. Following Iowa Code E9 for municipal recycling, Tawil referenced the success of neighboring communities and Scott County efforts. Council Liasion Dodds supported a written proposal with the statistics and logistics be prepared by Tawil to share with Council. Commission Members supported the prospect of moving from local to the county level. Commission Member Alex Taylor Commission Member Taylor inquired about the low water level at the Oakdale Stable Basins and 12th Avenue; Proud noted that the low water level is a result of the drought and lack of water flow from streets and retention basins. Adjournment Commission Member Taylor made the motion to adjourn at 8:31 p.m.; Commission Member Mount seconded the motion; unanimous approval.